Zelenskyy warned Belarus earlier about “consequences” tied to potential deeper involvement in Russia’s all-out war, amid growing fears that Moscow aims to open a new front from Belarus against Ukraine, similar to early 2022 events.
Belarusian President Aliaksandr Lukashenka proposed meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at any location — either in Ukraine or Belarus — as Kyiv alerted that Russia is preparing a fresh offensive using Belarusian territory targeting the capital and Chernihiv region.
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«If Zelenskyy wishes to discuss issues, seek guidance, or anything similar, we remain open,» Lukashenka declared on Friday, according to state media reports.
”I am prepared to meet him anywhere — within Ukraine or Belarus — to address the matters concerning Belarusian-Ukrainian relations.”
Lukashenka also rejected any intentions to drag his country into the conflict — except in the event that “aggression targets Belarusian soil.”
Ukraine’s leader stated on Thursday that Kyiv is ready to execute «preventive» actions against Russia and Belarusian authorities over prospective military dangers to northern Ukraine, amid joint Russia-Belarus nuclear drills and tensions with European NATO countries triggered by Baltic drone intrusions.
“The actual rulers of Belarus” must “remain vigilant — fully aware there will be repercussions if any hostile acts against Ukraine and its population are undertaken,” Zelenskyy commented during his visit to Slavutych, a city located roughly 50 km from Belarus’s border.
Kyiv rejected the offer.
«Since 2022, it has been clear to everyone that this individual’s words lack weight, and actions should be our focus,» Zelenskyy’s advisor Dmytro Lytvyn said to the press.
‘The challenges in Belarusian-Ukrainian relations’
Back in 2022, Belarus also refused involvement in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Nevertheless, Moscow used Belarusian land to cross into Ukraine and move troops toward northern areas and Kyiv.
«We have no intention of becoming entangled in the war in Ukraine. The need does not exist, neither politically nor militarily,» Lukashenka stated this week, emphasizing that Belarus would only enter the conflict if «its own territory experiences aggression.»
Earlier in 2022, he claimed an attack was being prepared on Belarus itself, justifying his decision to permit Russia use of Belarusian territory and military infrastructure for the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Kyiv has fortified its northern border with Belarus over recent years and plans to further increase military presence in northern Ukraine, Zelenskyy announced on Wednesday.
After reviewing intelligence from Ukrainian agencies on “Russia’s operational plans along the Chernihiv-Kyiv axis,” Kyiv is “developing responses for every possible enemy scenario — should Russia indeed attempt to escalate hostilities,” according to Zelenskyy.
“We are also assessing options for our external efforts. I have directed Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to prepare additional diplomatic measures regarding Belarus, which Russia might exploit for expanding the conflict,” the Ukrainian leader said.
In April, Zelenskyy additionally stated that Ukrainian military intelligence has observed Belarus constructing roads towards the Ukrainian border and deploying artillery units near Ukraine.
Threats extend beyond Ukraine
In April, Lukashenka also issued unverifiable accusations regarding aggression against Belarus originating from Poland and Baltic countries, outlining Minsk’s potential response alongside Moscow, including the use of nuclear arsenal.
«My duty is to warn neighboring states — Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and to some degree Ukraine. May they be spared from hostilities upon Belarus. We have no intention of waging war, nor planning conflicts with them.»
A month later, Belarus and Russia conducted nuclear drills, including Russia transferring nuclear warheads to Belarusian field storage sites.
As these exercises began, Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) claimed Ukraine was preparing drone strikes against Russia from Baltic territories and warned of “retaliation.”
Moscow alleged that Riga consented to Kyiv launching drones from Latvian soil “despite concerns about becoming targets of Russian counterattacks.”
“Latvia’s ruling authorities’ simplistic Russophobia has outweighed their capacity for critical judgment or self-preservation,” stated the SVR.
Latvia and Ukraine refuted these claims, labeling them “another disinformation attempt.”
“It is essential to remember that the location coordinates of command centers in Latvian territory are known, and NATO membership will not shield those supporting terrorists from rightful retaliation,” the SVR declared as the Baltic nations issued multiple air raid warnings due to drones this week.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned such threats as unacceptable and assured that “Europe will respond.”
“Russia and Belarus bear direct responsibility for drones endangering civilian lives and security along our Eastern flank. Europe will respond united and firmly,» von der Leyen stated.